Lionel Messi escapes suspension after MLS disciplinary review of Quinn Sullivan clash

Lionel Messi has avoided a suspension after Major League Soccer’s Disciplinary Committee reviewed his confrontation with Philadelphia Union player Quinn Sullivan during Inter Miami’s 2-2 draw on 19 August.

The Inter Miami captain was given an undisclosed fine for breaching the league’s policy on placing a hand on an opposing player’s face, head or neck. MLS said the offence took place in the 101st minute of the match.

In a statement published by Marca, the league said: “The MLS Disciplinary Committee has fined Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi an undisclosed amount for violating the league’s policy regarding placing a hand on the face, head or neck of an opponent, in the 101+ minute of Miami’s match against Philadelphia Union on 19 August.”

The decision means Messi will not miss one or more MLS matches as a result of the incident. The fine represents the least severe punishment available under the league’s regulations.

The confrontation happened late in the match after Messi became involved in a dispute with Sullivan. The Argentina international appeared to tap the Philadelphia Union player on the back of the neck before confronting him face-to-face, and subsequently slapped the player’s head as the referee intervened to prevent the situation from escalating.

A post on social media, attributed to @Jarm21, showed the incident and stated: “JUST IN: Lionel Messi tapped Quinn Sullivan on the back of the neck before confronting him head-on. This action will now be evaluated by the Disciplinary Committee.”

MLS rules allow the Disciplinary Committee to impose a financial penalty when a player deliberately touches an opponent’s face, head or neck and the action starts or escalates an individual incident, or contributes to a mass confrontation.

The regulations state that anyone found to have touched an opposing player’s face, head or neck in a way that ignites or intensifies an incident, or leads to a group confrontation, must receive at least a fine. The rules leave the committee to determine the appropriate penalty based on the circumstances.

Messi also played a decisive role on the pitch during the match, scoring Inter Miami’s second goal to put his side temporarily 2-1 ahead. It was his first goal since the death of his father, Jorge Messi, and he dedicated the goal to him.

Inter Miami and Philadelphia Union eventually finished level at 2-2, with Messi’s late involvement in the match drawing disciplinary attention despite the absence of a red card or subsequent suspension.